August 2011 - Lusijah Marx

Lusijah emanates kindness and positive energy, her presence in the classroom contributes to a special environment of enthusiasm and camaraderie. Her natural compassion and encouraging nature play a key role in making learning Spanish more of a group endeavor, a priority which shows when she helps to organize her fellow classmates to meet outside the classroom to keep practicing. A dedicated student, Lusijah's creative responses to homework assignments show careful study and imagination. Her community work in the field of mental health here in Portland and around the world is an inspiration to us all so we're very proud to count Lusijah as a Tierra student!

Name: Lusijah Marx
Occupation: Psychologist and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Time Studying at Tierra: 1 year

1. Why are you studying Spanish?
"I think it is a very important language to know with the changing demographics of our country. I want to be able to communicate with people in my professional role as a psychologist. A passion of mine is involvement with NGO's in developing countries. There are projects in Mexico, Central and South America that I would like to visit and support and cannot do so unless I learn Spanish. Two years ago I had a very meaningful experience leading a workshop on Forgiveness in Colombia where murder has been a leading cause of death. I decided then I would learn Spanish so I could communicate with more heart."

2. What is your favorite part about your experience here at Tierra?
"I look forward to my classes with Elyse at Tierra each Tuesday-and find it my most challenging time of the week. To know that I have two hours of speaking Spanish when I make so many mistakes is hard, but also very rewarding. Elyse is a great teacher; she is so patient, thinks of interesting exercises, and is SO supportive of everyone in our class. My classmates, too, feel confident that we can learn Spanish in a meaningful way. We have started meeting together monthly outside of class to improve our skills. Whatever we do not know or however many mistakes we make, we still feel good about what we do know and that we are learning."

3. Can you tell us of a time you have been able to use what you have learned studying here?
"I just returned from a trip to Europe and meetings in support of international projects. One person's mother from Chile was present and very isolated. I spent time talking with her each day and was able to communicate. My son's partner is Mexican, and her parents speak Spanish. I can and will be able to communicate with her family much better as my Spanish improves."

Congratulations Lusijah!!